neeb

Recent Actions
Comment Threads
Author Archive

Recent Actions

Commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
We’ll just have to agree to differ on the use of the term “gran fondo”, as you seem to have your own subjective definition, which is fine of course. There is no way that the /geometry/ of that bike is...
Commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
It’s great to get real impressions uninfluenced by the marketing hype! On the other hand, if you “just ride the bikes” and ignore the geometry and setup, you risk confusing the genuine attributes of a particular bike model with other...
Commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
It’s the numbers that determine the ride position, period. Ride quality/feel is a different matter of course, but to make meaningful comparisons you have to correct for the numbers. You’re right though, a test ride is the only way to...
Commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
Sorry, I’m a real nerd when it comes to this sort of thing and can’t resist a civilized debate.. :-) The way I see it, the main thing that determines whether a frame is gran fondo/performance/sportive fit or a more...
Commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
Thanks, that’s very useful. I’m only 140lbs so if it’s moderately stiff for you it’s probably plenty stiff for me, especially if i stick my campagnolo eurus wheels on it. Being light myself, weight is also an attraction; the 2010...
Commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
Interesting review, thanks - I am considering a 2010 Lapierre Xelius 700 which looks like it has pretty much the same frame as the 2009 x-lite. I’m curious why you thought it was better suited to long miles rather than...

Recent Actions from neeb

neeb Feed

Comment Threads

DL Byron commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
@neeb, X-Lite 400 is a capable race bike, but not as stiff as other bikes I’ve ridden and is a Grand Fondo style bike. That may work great for you and is not a concern. For example, I’m riding the Musseuw Flax bike now and it’s a remarkable blend of stiff/smooth, so much so I think the industry needs a new term for that, like stiction. Maybe stoove or smiff. Johan likes it stiff in the front — and I’m talking super stiff — with some flex in the back. Totally different ride than the anything else and in comparison...
DL Byron commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
Grand Fondo is a term used to described performance fit or, in other words, high-performance bikes for baby boomers that can’t lay flat on the top tube anymore. Grand Fondos are like the charity rides we do here in the States with cyclists that want a high-end bike that’s comfortable and doesn’t beat them up (stiff and vertically compliant). Look at the way it slopes and the size of the top tube, that’s putting you in a more upright position v. a classic roadie fit. As I said in the review, same thing that Specialized does with their Roubiax. For...
DL Byron commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
Get out of the website numbers and onto a test ride of the bike and reply back is what I suggest. You’ll have a stronger debate position when you’ve ridden it....
DL Byron commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
More perspective may help: we ride a lot of bikes, we’re bike huggers, and ignore the marketing materials, effective top tube claims, layup process marketing blather, and just ride the bikes. That’s how we know and I think have a good feel for it — it’s also how we differentiate from the boiler plate, fluff pieces. In comparison shopping sure, you need to see all the numbers. Makes sense. I’m calling it a Grand Fondo bike because I think it is and Lapierre told me it is. I’m not sure if you’re debating the fondoness with me or not, but...
DL Byron commented on Test Ride: Lapierre X-Lite 400
When you get bikes for review, you ride them mostly as they come. I think yes you could make this work flatter with stem bar, seat changes, flatten yourself out. Again, I’m not entirely sure what you’re debating other than to tell me no it’s not a Grand Fondo style bike. As I said: I agree with RBA’s review that the 15-centimeter tall headtube offset my normal fit. I was more upright than usual. And as a bike design trend, that’s in the Grand Fondo style. My point on the ett was that marketing can say what they want and...